Alabama Crimson Tide: Tony Brown
In the few times he has found reprieve from his busy track season, ESPN 150 cornerback Tony Brown has managed to get out of town for two big spring game visits.
Things are moving so fast, though, that Brown has had little time to sit down and think things through. His grand plan is being made up on the fly right now.
Things are moving so fast, though, that Brown has had little time to sit down and think things through. His grand plan is being made up on the fly right now.
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Looking at the spring visitors: Defense 
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
10:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Defense is Alabama’s calling card.
That philosophy is implemented on the recruiting trail as well. The Crimson Tide have brought in more offensive playmakers in recent years, but the emphasis is still on the defense. It’s no different for the class of 2014.
On Thursday, TideNation looked at Alabama’s visitors this spring, beginning with the offense. Now it’s time to break down the spring visitors on defense.
Defensive line
Lorenzo Carter (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) has already drawn comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney -- high praise for the ESPN Watch List defensive end. Carter is more likely to play outside linebacker at Alabama, but he’s a top priority for the staff regardless of position.
Last month, the Peach State native visited Tuscaloosa with his parents where he met with the coaching staff and took in a spring practice.
“It was good,” Carter said. “It was probably the most informative visit I’ve had so far with my parents. I think they feel a little more comfortable with Alabama now that they’ve talked to the coaches and sat down to see how the program works.”
More recently, 2015 defensive end Mekhi Brown (Columbus, Ga./Carver), also projected to play outside linebacker, committed to the Tide on his visit to Alabama. Brown already had over 10 scholarship offers but he knew where he wanted to go.
The “biggest” visitor on campus this spring thus far has been 6-foot-5, 340-pound Charles Mosley. The Brighton, Tenn., defensive tackle made the trip to UA last weekend to meet his new recruiting coordinator, Billy Napier.
For now, Mosley wants to play nose tackle at the next level, but the Alabama staff also likes his potential on the offensive line.
Linebacker
With a decision looming, one of the most important visitors this spring could very well be ESPN Watch List linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (Montgomery, Ala./Carver). The in-state native spent Tuesday in Tuscaloosa. He’s expected to make a decision next Wednesday between Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.
Hamilton has opted not to discuss any of his recent visits, including the Alabama trip, but it can’t hurt the Tide if that’s the last trip he makes.
Earlier in the spring, Gavin Bryant (Jackson, Ala./Jackson) visited Alabama and earned a scholarship offer from Saban.
“It was pretty good,” he said. “[Saban] was telling me I was a good player, to keep my grades up and play hard. It felt good. It felt like a kid getting a new toy.”
This weekend, Tampa Jesuit linebacker Vincent Jackson is expected to visit UA with fellow Floridian and ESPN Watch List offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn.
That philosophy is implemented on the recruiting trail as well. The Crimson Tide have brought in more offensive playmakers in recent years, but the emphasis is still on the defense. It’s no different for the class of 2014.
On Thursday, TideNation looked at Alabama’s visitors this spring, beginning with the offense. Now it’s time to break down the spring visitors on defense.
Defensive line
Lorenzo Carter (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) has already drawn comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney -- high praise for the ESPN Watch List defensive end. Carter is more likely to play outside linebacker at Alabama, but he’s a top priority for the staff regardless of position.
Last month, the Peach State native visited Tuscaloosa with his parents where he met with the coaching staff and took in a spring practice.
“It was good,” Carter said. “It was probably the most informative visit I’ve had so far with my parents. I think they feel a little more comfortable with Alabama now that they’ve talked to the coaches and sat down to see how the program works.”
More recently, 2015 defensive end Mekhi Brown (Columbus, Ga./Carver), also projected to play outside linebacker, committed to the Tide on his visit to Alabama. Brown already had over 10 scholarship offers but he knew where he wanted to go.
The “biggest” visitor on campus this spring thus far has been 6-foot-5, 340-pound Charles Mosley. The Brighton, Tenn., defensive tackle made the trip to UA last weekend to meet his new recruiting coordinator, Billy Napier.
For now, Mosley wants to play nose tackle at the next level, but the Alabama staff also likes his potential on the offensive line.
Linebacker
With a decision looming, one of the most important visitors this spring could very well be ESPN Watch List linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (Montgomery, Ala./Carver). The in-state native spent Tuesday in Tuscaloosa. He’s expected to make a decision next Wednesday between Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.
Hamilton has opted not to discuss any of his recent visits, including the Alabama trip, but it can’t hurt the Tide if that’s the last trip he makes.
Earlier in the spring, Gavin Bryant (Jackson, Ala./Jackson) visited Alabama and earned a scholarship offer from Saban.
“It was pretty good,” he said. “[Saban] was telling me I was a good player, to keep my grades up and play hard. It felt good. It felt like a kid getting a new toy.”
This weekend, Tampa Jesuit linebacker Vincent Jackson is expected to visit UA with fellow Floridian and ESPN Watch List offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn.
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Watching ESPN Watch List cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) compete is almost like watching a one-man show. No matter what he does, there’s the understood notion that he’s going to excel.
On the football field, he’s one of the nation’s best cornerbacks, an athlete with more than 20 scholarship offers. Over the weekend, Brown not only won the defensive back MVP award at the Dallas Nike Football Training Camp but also earned an invitation to The Opening this summer in Oregon.
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Forgive Tony Brown if he doesn’t care much about his recruiting process right now. He’s too busy working to break track records.
The ESPN Watch List cornerback from Beaumont (Texas) Ozen just ran the fastest time in the nation among high school athletes in the 60-meter hurdles. He’s off to New York this weekend for his final indoor track meet of the season.
So, naturally, Brown isn’t wasting much time worrying about what comes next in his recruitment.
The ESPN Watch List cornerback from Beaumont (Texas) Ozen just ran the fastest time in the nation among high school athletes in the 60-meter hurdles. He’s off to New York this weekend for his final indoor track meet of the season.
So, naturally, Brown isn’t wasting much time worrying about what comes next in his recruitment.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama is usually ahead of its competition when it comes to recruiting, and a prime example of that is the Crimson Tide’s brand new 37,000-square-foot weight room.
UA strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran led the media on a tour of the $9 million facility on Wednesday.
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Junior day: What it means for Alabama
February, 25, 2013
Feb 25
7:05
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Junior day at Alabama has become quite the event. This year, the Crimson Tide hosted an array of prospects from all over the country, ranging from juniors in high school to eighth graders.
The lone commitment, in fact, did not come a 2014 prospect. It came from sophomore defensive back Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange).
“The system they run at Alabama is just like what we run at West Orange, and it makes me feel like I’m at home,” Thompson said. “I just decided to take a shot at it. I wanted to commit, get that out of the way, so I could focus on getting a state championship before I leave high school.”
In all, the Alabama staff extended close to 10 scholarship offers during Saturday’s junior day. Although the Tide didn’t add to its 2014 class, the weekend shed some light on UA’s approach to this class.
The lone commitment, in fact, did not come a 2014 prospect. It came from sophomore defensive back Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange).
“The system they run at Alabama is just like what we run at West Orange, and it makes me feel like I’m at home,” Thompson said. “I just decided to take a shot at it. I wanted to commit, get that out of the way, so I could focus on getting a state championship before I leave high school.”
In all, the Alabama staff extended close to 10 scholarship offers during Saturday’s junior day. Although the Tide didn’t add to its 2014 class, the weekend shed some light on UA’s approach to this class.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama and coach Nick Saban have become very selective when recruiting defensive backs, in particular cornerbacks. And why shouldn’t he be picky? After all, he’s the one who works with them, hands on, every day in practice.
Because of that, the Crimson Tide have missed on some big names in the past, but they have also been able to lure some elite prospects to Tuscaloosa. Since 2009, UA has signed six defensive backs ranked in the ESPN 150, highlighted by cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick (2009) and DeMarcus Milliner (2010).
Last year, Alabama signed Landon Collins, the nation’s top safety prospect, and Geno Smith, the No. 2 cornerback nationally.
Because of that, the Crimson Tide have missed on some big names in the past, but they have also been able to lure some elite prospects to Tuscaloosa. Since 2009, UA has signed six defensive backs ranked in the ESPN 150, highlighted by cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick (2009) and DeMarcus Milliner (2010).
Last year, Alabama signed Landon Collins, the nation’s top safety prospect, and Geno Smith, the No. 2 cornerback nationally.
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Recruiting recap: Alabama at LSU 
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
11:40
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
In Death Valley and beyond, ESPN RecruitingNation reporters tracked down the prospects who witnessed Alabama's win Saturday night at LSU. Here's a recap of the players' reactions so far 
:
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."
:
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."
Class of 2014 prospect Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) has made previous trips to both LSU and Alabama, but the ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers “one of the best games I’ve ever been to.”
Brown was one of the record 93,375 at Tiger Stadium to witness Alabama hold off LSU, 21-17. The 6-foot-1, 187-pound athlete has been offered by both LSU and Alabama -- and multiple other schools -- and he left Baton Rouge, La., with a positive image of both programs.
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RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call
November, 4, 2012
11/04/12
10:30
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Although LSU came up short on Saturday, the atmosphere in Death Valley was as crazy as it’s ever been, and many of the nation’s top recruits were on hand to see it, including ESPN Watch List running Leonard Fournette (New Orleans/St. Augustine).
“Death Valley is a very exciting place,” Fournette said. Everyone’s screaming. You know how it is. It’s exciting there.”
The Louisiana native has been to LSU games before, but Saturday’s contest might have topped the list. It pitted two of his top schools, Alabama and LSU, and it came down to the final minute. Ultimately, it was a screen play, executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide, that won the game, a call that surprised Fournette.
“Death Valley is a very exciting place,” Fournette said. Everyone’s screaming. You know how it is. It’s exciting there.”
The Louisiana native has been to LSU games before, but Saturday’s contest might have topped the list. It pitted two of his top schools, Alabama and LSU, and it came down to the final minute. Ultimately, it was a screen play, executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide, that won the game, a call that surprised Fournette.
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2014 Lone Star prospects take in Tide win
September, 2, 2012
9/02/12
6:17
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
It wasn’t Bryant-Denny Stadium, but 2014 defensive back Tony Brown got a chance to watch the University of Alabama play in person on Saturday night. The Texas native attended the Cowboys Classic, where the Crimson Tide dominated Michigan 41-14.
“Alabama played a really great game,” Brown said. “I feel like they practiced for it. They had a goal that Michigan wasn’t in their league, and they went out and proved it.”
Brown, a 6-foot, 179-pound cornerback, earned an offer from Alabama at its camp in June. On Saturday, he paid close attention to the Tide’s secondary and came away impressed, especially with junior cornerback Dee Milliner.
“Alabama played a really great game,” Brown said. “I feel like they practiced for it. They had a goal that Michigan wasn’t in their league, and they went out and proved it.”
Brown, a 6-foot, 179-pound cornerback, earned an offer from Alabama at its camp in June. On Saturday, he paid close attention to the Tide’s secondary and came away impressed, especially with junior cornerback Dee Milliner.
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Roundtable: Alabama, Michigan recruiting
August, 30, 2012
8/30/12
6:36
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf and Tom Van Haaren | ESPN.com
Every other week, TideNation’s writers will answer a handful of questions that address a pressing topic regarding the Alabama football program. And with every Roundtable, we’ll see out the opinions of a guest. This week’s contributor is WolverineNation recruiting writer Tom Van Haaren.
Question: Alabama and Michigan kick off the 2012 season in Dallas on Saturday. What would a win do for recruiting?
Greg Ostendorf: Alabama has become accustomed to not just playing in national spotlight games early in the season, but winning those games. That has paid dividends on the recruiting trail. It also doesn’t hurt to have won two national championships in the last three seasons. However, Michigan’s 2013 class is currently ranked higher than Alabama’s, so a win over the Wolverines on Saturday, especially if it’s in convincing fashion, could slow down the momentum for Brady Hoke and remind recruits of the SEC’s dominance during the last decade.
Question: Alabama and Michigan kick off the 2012 season in Dallas on Saturday. What would a win do for recruiting?
Greg Ostendorf: Alabama has become accustomed to not just playing in national spotlight games early in the season, but winning those games. That has paid dividends on the recruiting trail. It also doesn’t hurt to have won two national championships in the last three seasons. However, Michigan’s 2013 class is currently ranked higher than Alabama’s, so a win over the Wolverines on Saturday, especially if it’s in convincing fashion, could slow down the momentum for Brady Hoke and remind recruits of the SEC’s dominance during the last decade.
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Bama recruits relish big games, spotlight
August, 29, 2012
8/29/12
9:58
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Coming off its second national championship in the last three years, the University of Alabama opens the season against Denard Robinson and Michigan at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. It’s great for college footall, and it’s a fan’s dream.
But it’s not just for the fans. Recruits love to watch the big games, too. Since the arrival of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have played in their fair share of high-profile games early in the season, and the top high school prospects have taken notice.
“Recruits like to see that because most recruits like the spotlight, so that really helps a lot,” Alabama tight end commitment O.J. Howard said.
But it’s not just for the fans. Recruits love to watch the big games, too. Since the arrival of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have played in their fair share of high-profile games early in the season, and the top high school prospects have taken notice.
“Recruits like to see that because most recruits like the spotlight, so that really helps a lot,” Alabama tight end commitment O.J. Howard said.
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The fact that 2014 cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) received an offer from Texas last week came as no shock to most recruitniks.
To Brown, though, that offer meant a great deal.
“Texas doesn’t usually offer this early, so I was surprised at first,” he said. “That’s a big offer and they’re definitely going to be one of the top schools for me. I grew up born and raised in Texas, so I was real happy about that offer.”
To Brown, though, that offer meant a great deal.
“Texas doesn’t usually offer this early, so I was surprised at first,” he said. “That’s a big offer and they’re definitely going to be one of the top schools for me. I grew up born and raised in Texas, so I was real happy about that offer.”
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Cornerback prospect Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) is one of two 2014 prospects competing at the Champions Gridiron Kings this weekend.
The 6-foot-0, 179-pound athlete said he was honored to be invited to the event.
"It's great," Brown said. "I'm trying to take it as humbly as I can. I'm loving it that they regard me as highly as they do. I'm trying to take advantage of the situation and try to prove them right."
The 6-foot-0, 179-pound athlete said he was honored to be invited to the event.
"It's great," Brown said. "I'm trying to take it as humbly as I can. I'm loving it that they regard me as highly as they do. I'm trying to take advantage of the situation and try to prove them right."
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ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.